www.ashmei.com
Well, "the jacket" arrived yesterday morning.
First impressions on opening the draw string bag were quite simply "wow!". This jacket immediately exudes design and build quality. I spent a while just looking at the craftsmanship, thinking if this jacket stands up to how well it looks to be put together, then I'll be laughing. It didn't disappoint. Not sure about the mp3 player pockets to be honest - I've stopped listening to music on my runs, but I don't hink those pockets will take anything bigger than an iPOD nano - no way you're getting an iTouch or iPhone size player in there (though have not tried).
It's a nice fitted feel to it but the acid test for me is performance. Took it out for a nighttime 5k run - was quite cold but wanted to see what the jacket would do, so ran with a thin shortsleeve vest underneath. It was fantastic. Warmed up nicely, and just kept me there. A good pace run, zipped up to the neck but absolutely no need to use ventilation sips on side or undo the front. The real litmus was what would the inside be like when I took the jacket off - normally, my "breathable" jackets are dripping with effort (sweat!), but the merino layer and the venting at the top, both on the back of the jacket work extremely well.
Off centre diagonal zip works well when zipped up but when unzipped, can make the jacket hang a bit peculiarly.
An expensive jacket to be sure, but one that is already a firm favourite, and will work so well on this running everyday challenge. Delighted.
Had a look on line. It does look like a very nice jacket.
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